The effects of three storage temper

The effects of three storage temperatures (1,4, and 9.5°C) and six storage durations (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 days) on tuber sprouting and stem quality of Sandersonia aurantiacawere investigated. Tubers did not sprout at lifting when given inductive conditions, but high percentages sprouted (91.7%) after only 30 days of chilling. Percent sprouting remained high (93.8%) after 90 days of storage, but decreased to 86.5% with 150 days of storage. Sprouting percentages were high for all storage durations at 4°C. Sprouting was significantly less after storage at 9.5°C than at 1 and 4°C at all storage durations. Time to initiation of sprouting and the sprouting period decreased with storage duration up to 90–120 days and were lowest at 4°C. Stem length and flower numbers per stem were significantly higher at storage durations of 90–120 days. Following 90 days of storage, stem length was greater for storage at 9.5°C than at 1 or 4°C. Storage at 4°C for 90–120 days is required to ensure rapid and even sprouting of sandersonia.